Spring Training Tips & Tricks

Arizona is home to the Cactus League, so Spring Training is a big deal around here. Baseball is the number one sport in our household. My son plays almost year around and I help run the team. We also love to watch Major League Baseball games especially during spring training – the weather is perfect and its a much more intimate experience with the game.

Tip #1 – Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen This is Arizona and warm weather arrives right around Spring Training. Especially if you’re not used to our intense sun, these items are so important.

Tip #3 – Lawn Seats I love lawn seats. Sometimes called general admission this area is open seating on the grass areas behind the outfield. They’re a bargain at $5-$15 depending on stadium and game. Great for kids who can’t sit still through the whole game. And I love it because I can lounge on my blanket and take in some sun.

Tip #4 – Player Autographs Hoping to get signatures? Be ready with a black Sharpie and a baseball. Best way to get signatures – arrive early to game and hang out near bull pen or the stadium seats closest to where the players walk from locker room to dugout. Some stadiums/teams have designated times and locations where some players will meet fans before or after the game – check the stadium websites for this information. Once the game has started, no signatures allowed.

At a recent Padres game at the Peoria Sports Complex, my son waited at the fence by the Autograph Bridge (designated on the map its located between the field seats and 1st base side seats). Before the game he got 20 signatures and after the game 9 more.

Salt River Fields (Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies): Guests are allowed to seek autographs from players along the railing between sections 101-104 and 120-123 up to 40 minutes prior to game time, or until the end of batting practice, whichever comes first. Please be considerate by not inconveniencing guests seated in these areas.Be respectful of other guests especially children. Anyone not complying with this is subject to ejection. The Arizona Diamondbacks will hold autograph sessions at each of their home games on the left field concourse, compliments of Wyndham Vacation Ownership. The sessions will feature two players each D-backs home game and will run from noon-12:15 PM on day games and 5:45-6:00 PM on night games. The Colorado Rockies will hold autograph sessions at each of their home games on the right field concourse. The sessions will feature two players each Rockies home game and will run from 11:45 AM-noon on day games and 5:45-6:00 PM on night games.

Tip #5 – Blanket or Stadium Seats If you have lawn seats, you want to bring a blanket so you’re not sitting directly on the grass. If you have reserved seats, stadium seats add to the comfort level – check stadium websites to see rules about what is permitted.

Tip #6 – Food and Drinks Many of the stadiums allow you to bring in snacks and water. Bringing in your own food and drinks, saves money and gives you a healthy eating option. Check stadium website for rules because each stadium is different with regards to what food can be brought in and size of the coolers allowed.

Salt River Fields (Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies):

Two factory-sealed bottles of water, per person. No larger than one liter in size.

No hard-sided coolers or containers, regardless of size

Peoria Sports Complex (San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners)

Only factory-sealed, plastic bottles with non-carbonated, colorless water are permitted for beverages. Small bags containing food items are permitted as well.

Hard-sided coolers are prohibited in Peoria Stadium. Soft insulated bags/coolers that are no larger than 16 inches high, 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep are permitted, but are subject to inspection. Coolers are permitted at Practice Fields.

Tip #7 – Kids Run the Bases Many stadiums offer kids the opportunity to run the bases after the game. Check stadium websites to find out which games have this and where to line up after the game.

Tip #8 – Buy tickets early Arizona Diamondback games often sell out and you don’t want to show up only to leave disappointed. Also, ticket prices for all games are often higher online the day of the game.

Tip #9 – Kids Club Some teams have a kids club that that includes great deals and fun perks. For example, the Peoria Sports Complex offers the Peanuts Gang Kids Club for $15 which includes 10 tickets (1 lawn ticket for 10 different games), $5 concession stand voucher, front of line for running the bases.